Press Release
Today’s visit by Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer, part of the CDU, a party known for its critical stance on cannabis, to Grünhorn in Leipzig marks a significant milestone in the political recognition of cannabis as a plant-based medicine. The Prime Minister recognized Grünhorn, a medical cannabis company, as an important mid-sized pharmaceutical enterprise in Saxony, highlighting the life sciences sector as a key driver of the region’s economic future.
Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer stated, “Grünhorn is a valuable asset to Leipzig’s biotechnology and biomedical landscape. The medical cannabis market holds great potential for patients with chronic illnesses. Its use can provide long-term relief from symptoms for many. At the same time, the medical cannabis industry offers significant opportunities for Saxony’s economy. With a strong mid-sized business sector, we can create new jobs and strengthen Saxony as an economic hub.”
Medical Cannabis Is Not Recreational Cannabis
For hosts Stefan Fritsch, founder and CEO of Grünhorn, and Matthias Fischer, managing director of Grünhorn Group’s wholesale subsidiary canymed GmbH, the visit underscored the growing importance of medical cannabis.
Fritsch highlighted the significance of this political endorsement and praised the dialogue with Prime Minister Kretschmer:
“I was delighted to provide Mr. Kretschmer with an in-depth look at medical cannabis and to differentiate it clearly from recreational cannabis. I appreciate his commitment to ensuring that medical cannabis will not be reinstated under the Narcotics Act in future legislation.”
To further illustrate the distinction between medical and recreational cannabis, Kretschmer toured Grünhorn’s highly regulated prescription verification, quality control, and packaging processes for medical cannabis flowers.
Fritsch added: “Our products are designed to help severely ill patients—such as those undergoing cancer treatment, living with multiple sclerosis, or managing chronic pain. For thousands of years, cannabis has been used to alleviate symptoms like nausea and insomnia. Today, we are leveraging modern technology to optimize its benefits further. To continue this work, Grünhorn relies on political support and collaboration with academic research institutions in Saxony and beyond.”
